What happens to disability benefits when my child turns 16?

The short answer

Turning 16 does not trigger the same disability-benefit change across the UK. In England and Wales, and separately in Northern Ireland, a young person receiving Disability Living Allowance for children is invited to apply for Personal Independence Payment. They must respond by the deadline in the letter if DLA is to continue while the PIP claim is decided. In Scotland, a young person can usually remain on Child Disability Payment until 18 or apply for Adult Disability Payment from 16. In every nation, the adult award is a new decision rather than an automatic continuation. Read the letter before acting, record the deadline and get benefits advice if other household income or linked support may be affected.

• Check the rules for the UK nation where the young person lives.
• Keep every invitation letter and act by the stated deadline.
• A child disability award does not guarantee an adult award.
• Describe the help, prompting and supervision the young person needs.
• Decide whether the young person will manage the claim, receive support or need an appointee.
• Check other benefits and linked support separately before planning the household budget.